The modern workplace should be a place where any form of discriminatory
policies are outlawed. Discriminatory practices in the UK have been
outlawed in the workplace since the early 1970's.
Although discrimination exists to some extent in all societies, the workplace
should be the place where it never occurs.
RACE - A persons racial background, it could the colour of a
persons skin, or the racial background, for example being descent of Asian,
West Indian, Irish ancestry.
GENDER - An individuals gender.
DISABILITY - A lot of people still in this day and age view people
with disabilities, indifferently.
When reading the following examples it may appear that you have been guilty
of committing discrimination, be wary of your conduct at work, inform you
colleagues.
Racial and physical based discrimination will include:
Physical bullying in the workplace based upon racial or physical
disability, this will include jokes, workplace banter and isolation from
activities in the workplace.
Any threats as a result of bullying.
Gender based discrimination will include:
Any form of suggestion that career progression will be based upon sexual
favours.
One employee becoming physically aggressive to another.
Making rude or insulting jokes to someone of a sexual nature, this will
include the distribution of any sexually explicit material in the workplace.
As an employer it is vital that all forms of discrimination are eliminated in
your workplace. Clear guidelines need to be put in place. The first would come
in the form of informing all your employees of your business policy regarding
discrimination and offer advice to employees.
The employer should in the guidelines allow for:
Advice on how to handle discrimination, tell employees what they should
not do.
Show employees who to contact, when they have been receiving any form of
discrimination
Show that the business is prepared to listen to employee complaints of
discrimination.
Aim to make your business an equal opportunities employer.
Offer every suitable employee, the chance to progress within your
business.
Publish clear business policies on what your discrimination policies are,
inform all your employees.
Enforce the policy, do not make any allowances as to which employees are
disciplined, be aggressive!.
Advertise the fact that your business is an equal opportunities employer,
to get the highest caliber of employees.
As the employer it will be up to you begin changes attitudes of your
employees towards others in the business, but if the foundations are
enshrined in business policy they should make society change for the
better!, good luck.